Because colleges and universities developed before a secondary-education system, higher education institutions were faced with the responsibility of setting eligibility standards for college preparation and secondary education. Community colleges developed originally to take on the task of preparing students for college. They also offered courses to help individuals without sufficient academic preparation to succeed in college. Later, they developed their programs to accommodate the waves of immigrants with a variety of educational backgrounds and to offer them equal chances to enter the workforce.
Many secondary school graduates take up two-year community college classes to be able to enroll in a four-year university program to obtain a bachelor's degree. Community colleges aim at providing students with a lower-cost solution, because they are funded from federal, state and local sources. High school students first enroll in community college programs because, after they finish, they have a better chance to succeed in higher education institutions. Many universities agree to transfer students' credits towards a bachelor's degree. Thus, students reduce costs and universities enroll better-prepared candidates.
Another purpose that community colleges serve is that of training students for the workforce. They offer a variety of programs for jobs in areas such as business, public services or industrial technologies. An associate degree from a community college can increase students' chances of a better-paid and more secure position in a company, in the health care system or in industry. These programs are also part of the continuing education of adults in trades, technical occupations or professions that need periodic training to keep workers updated and prepared for changes.
With affordable costs and open admissions, community colleges offer students equal opportunities without regard to their educational background, age, gender, race, ethnicity or nationality. The colleges also have full-time and part-time programs that give students a chance to study at their pace or work while going to school. As the number of students increases every year, so does the need for trained teachers. As a consequence, many graduates consider returning to community colleges to be teachers.